Law experts caution on JB, Lutepo CCTV footage

Constitutional law expert Justine Dzonzi of Justice Link has noted that government in politically influencing the ongoing corruption cashgate scandal investigations and prosecution, saying the Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) should tread carefully with the Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) footages of private meetings between former leader Joyce Banda and suspect Oswald Lutepo.

Dzonzi: Caution should not be thrown to the wind when handling CCTV footage

Jai Banda: Authenticity of the CCTV footage is questionable

Minister of Information Kondwani Nankhumwa told a news conference on Thursday that government has handed a CCTV footage showing meetings between Banda and Lutepo to the graft-busting body.

The Minister’s statement comes after Lutepo claimed on Zodiak Broadcasting Station (ZBS) that the former president was part of Cashgate and Banda shot down the claims with her party accusing DPP-led government of using Lutepo for political vendetta against the former president.

Dzonzi in an interview feared the matter is now being politicised, saying the material handed by government to ACB can be suspected of manipulations “because the manner they have has been submitted is not normal.”

The law expert said the footage might have vital information regarding to cashgate investigations, but pointed out that “government is not supposed to do the investigations on its own. This is a task of the Director of Public Prosecution, Police and the Anti Corruption Bureau not government.”

Noted Dzonzi: “Obviously it will seem as if government is witch-hunting Joyce Banda.”

Money laundering law expert Jai Banda has also questioned the authenticity of the footage.

“This was supposed to be done by Anti-Corruption Bureau, Fiscal police or the Office of the Director of Public Prosecution. There might be a possibility that Government might have tampered with footage,” said Banda who was the first lawyer of Lutepo.

But Nankhumwa denies that the action is aimed at influencing decisions in the ongoing Cashgate cases, saying both the Judiciary and law enforcing agencies are independent.

“The role of government is just to facilitate the process so that Malawians know who actually stole public money, a heartless tendency that has translated into misery and making Malawians destitute in their own land,” insisted Nankhumwa.

Government has also surrendered copies of gate entry registers and appointment bookings for Lutepo to see the former president.

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CCTV footage of entrance to state house cannot be evidence, because it lacks clear audio backing,, involved money figures and physical as well as biological witnesses. Any senior Malawian can be accepted to see the president if deem fit to do so. Please government get better detailed evidence so that the state can nail J Banda.

CCTV stopped functioning in 2003 to date. Evidence is during the time Bingu collapsed and died when he was with Penemulungu.We heard that Bingu sent Calister out so as to have good time(sex) with some women,Kaliati and Penemulungu taking turns as a real Llhomwe man.After doing a good successiful game with Kaliati, it was Penemulungu’s turn.Bingu collapsed because of overdoing sex.Penemulungu dressed up and rushed out,calling a security officer to assist in picking Bingu witk a socks on one leg. Penemulungu was locked up to explain what happened for Bingu to collapse. If CCTV was working; (1)why was Penemulungu locked… Read more »

Mr Information minister please do not take Malawians to hell. Are you serious that this CCTV issue will enable Malawians know who CHEWED there money? Why not starting with 1.7billion then our 92 billion. Musaikhalire. JB hd no problems with Forensic audit on the word go. But You Dpp? There is! There is! You are bussy with CCTV. Despite German funding, muliduuu! Waiting one comference to tell us that you cracking mid night 92 billion.

Shenglee woo, I know you eat from APM’s remains but Malawians are the ones who are making the remains to be available through our taxes. We therefore do not want isues like fake cctv because that will just waste our time and resources. We want the solutions for the current strugles and not your stupid Nankhumwa

Anything that has to do with techology has its flaws. State must produce footage starting from 2005 but should be sent to an independent outside analysis to authenticate it or else Peter & his hordes are bent to influence the outcome of cashgate. Lutepo will appear in the footage from 2006 to November 2014. Mark my words